A powerful centre, Olivier made his international debut for South Africa as a replacement against Scotland in Durban in 2006. He made three appearances at the World Cup the following year as South Africa won the Webb Ellis Trophy for the second time and in 2009 he played in the final Test against the British & Irish Lions at Ellis Park in a losing cause, although the Springboks had already won the series. A stalwart of the successful Bulls side of the mid 2000s, Olivier tasted both Super Rugby and Currie Cup success with the province, agreeing a contract with them through to 2013.